Understanding Nutrients and Good Nutrition

Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies need so they can function and grow. Good nutrition gives us energy, can help us control our weight, and helps prevent some diseases.

Good nutrition means eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients it needs. This is important at any age! As we get older, our nutritional needs change. Here are some nutrition tips and tricks to consider:

Nutrition Tips for Seniors

• Prioritize Balanced Meals: Include all food groups in meals – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Ensure adequate Vitamin D and calcium for bone health and foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.

• Hydrate Often: Dehydration is common in elderly due to decreased thirst sensation. Encourage regular intake of fluids like water, milk, juice, smoothies, and herbal teas, even if they don’t feel thirsty.

• Make Eating a Pleasant Experience: Eating alone may lead to poor nutrition due to lack of interest in cooking or eating. Making mealtimes social encourages better eating habits and makes meals more enjoyable.

• Avoid Empty Calories: Limit foods with lots of calories but few nutrients such as chips, candy, baked goods, soda, and alcohol.

• Choose Foods Low in Cholesterol and Fat: Especially avoid saturated fats (usually animal fats) and trans fats (found in stick margarine, vegetable shortening, some store-bought baked goods, and fried fast foods).

• Adapt to Dietary Restrictions and Preferences: Many seniors have restrictions due to health or medications. Work with healthcare providers or dietitians to create meal plans that respect these restrictions while providing necessary nutrients.

How Silver Lantern Homecare Supports Nutrition

At Silver Lantern Homecare, our caregivers assist with preparing nutritious meals and snacks tailored to clients’ dietary preferences, restrictions, and nutritional needs. We also ensure proper hydration and adequate nutrition to support health and wellbeing.

Call (281) 205-1010 to schedule a free consultation.

Visit: www.SilverLanternHomecare.com

Additional Resources for Healthy Eating

• USDA MyPlate
  Phone: 703-305-2060
  Website: www.myplate.gov

• USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
  Phone: 703-305-7600
  Website: www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp

• USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
  National Agricultural Library
  Phone: 301-504-5755
  Email: fnic@ars.usda.gov
  Website: www.nal.usda.gov/fnic

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  SNAP State Directory of Resources
  Website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

• U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Phone: 202-720-2791
  Website: www.usda.gov